Rattan Pinus Review: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse with a Funny Name

Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Kristina

The Rattan Pinus 750W 48V Step-Through Fat Tire Electric Bike is an interesting budget-friendly option with solid features and surprising power. While its name might raise a few eyebrows, the bike itself delivers a fun and capable ride. It’s packed with a 750W (1,200W peak) motor, a large battery capacity, hydraulic brakes, and a torque sensor, making it a well-rounded choice for riders looking for an affordable yet powerful e-bike.

Features

Motor & Speed

• Motor: 750W continuous (1,200W peak) rear hub motor
• Top Speed: 28 mph (45 km/h) claimed, but real-world tests show speeds exceeding 30 mph on flat terrain
• Throttle: Left-side thumb throttle
• Pedal Assist: 3 modes, 5 levels with torque sensor

Battery & Range

• Battery Options:
  • 48V 20Ah (960Wh) (base model)
  • 48V 40Ah (1,920Wh) (dual battery option)
• Range:
  • 50 miles (80 km) per battery (real-world use may vary)
  • 100 miles (160 km) with second battery
• Charging Time: 4-5 hours with 4.5A charger
• Battery Placement: Integrated downtube battery, with second battery mounted on top of the down tube

Build & Components

• Frame: Step-through frame
• Weight: 83 lbs (+11 lbs per battery)
• Payload Capacity: 400 lbs (181 kg)
• Suspension: Front suspension fork with lockout and preload adjustments
• Tires: 20″ x 4.0″ Kenda fat tires
• Brakes: FastAce hydraulic disc brakes (180mm rotors)
• Gearing: Shimano 8-speed derailleur
• Lighting: Automatic headlight (1,000 lumens) & taillight with turn signals
• Extras: LCD display with wireless mobile connection & app sync, rear rack, plastic fenders

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

✔️ Powerful Motor – The 750W motor with 1,200W peak power delivers strong acceleration and speed. ✔️ Great Range Potential – With an optional second battery, it offers up to 100 miles of range.
✔️ Hydraulic Brakes – FastAce hydraulic disc brakes with <0.1s response time provide excellent stopping power.
✔️ Torque Sensor – Provides smoother pedal assist compared to basic cadence sensors.
✔️ High Payload Capacity – 400 lbs weight limit makes it great for heavier riders or carrying cargo.
✔️ Good Lighting & Safety Features – Includes bright LED headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
✔️ Comfortable Ride – Suspension fork and fat tires improve ride quality.

❌ Cons

❌ Heavy – At 83 lbs, it’s not the easiest e-bike to lift or transport.
❌ Pedal Strike Issue – The long cranks can result in pedal strikes when turning.
❌ Questionable Legal Compliance – Throttle-only speeds over 28 mph may not be street-legal in some areas.
❌ Plastic Fenders – They’re included, but they feel less premium.
❌ No Rear Suspension – A rear shock would have enhanced comfort for off-road use.
❌ Extra Battery Cost – Jumping from $1,699 to $2,178 is a significant price increase.

Price & Specifications

Feature	Specification
Motor	750W rear hub motor (1,200W peak)
Top Speed	28 mph (real-world speeds slightly higher)
Battery	48V 20Ah (960Wh) or optional 40Ah (1,920Wh)
Range	50 miles (single battery) / 100 miles (dual battery)
Brakes	FastAce hydraulic disc brakes (180mm rotors)
Weight	83 lbs (+11 lbs per battery)
Suspension	Front suspension fork with lockout/preload adjustments
Tires	20″ x 4.0″ Kenda fat tires
Gearing	Shimano 8-speed derailleur
Price	$1,699 (single battery), $2,178 (dual battery)

Customer Reviews

⭐ Michael Betz (Sept 9, 2024) – “Unexpected Quality”

“The bike is rock solid, no noises or squeaks, and works perfectly. I was concerned about quality but was pleasantly surprised. Assembly was easy, and the bike arrived well-packaged. Plenty of power, and the 20Ah battery lasted longer than expected. I highly recommend it.”

⭐ Daniel Minc (Sept 8, 2024) – “Well Built and Fast”

“This is my second folding 20-inch e-bike, and it’s clearly faster and smoother than my previous 750W 14Ah model. It’s heavy but feels like a military vehicle—extremely sturdy and well-built. I prefer the thumb throttle, and the brakes are excellent.”

⭐ Farhad (Sept 6, 2024) – “Great Deal for the Price”

“Bought this for my son, and he loves it. The battery lasts a long time, and the bike rides smoothly. Rattan’s customer support was excellent when I needed a replacement part. The included accessories were a nice bonus.”

Who Is It Good For?

• Commuters – Great for daily rides with its long-range potential and strong motor.
• Heavier Riders – 400 lbs weight capacity makes it ideal for carrying cargo or larger riders.
• Adventure Seekers – Fat tires and powerful motor allow for off-road capability.
• Speed Enthusiasts – It’s faster than most e-bikes in this price range.

• Not ideal for: Riders looking for lightweight portability or strictly street-legal throttle speeds.

Should You Buy the Rattann Pinus?

The Rattan Pinus is an impressive budget e-bike with strong power, good range, and solid build quality for the price. While it’s heavy and not street-legal in all areas, it’s a fantastic option for those who prioritize power and capability over portability.

Alternative E-Bikes

1. Mokwheel Slate ($1,999) – Similar 750W motor, hydraulic brakes, and fat tires, but includes a rear suspension for added comfort.
   Read our Full Review of the Mokwheel Slate
   
2. Rad Power RadRunner 3 Plus ($2,299) – A Class 2/3 cargo e-bike with a more upright riding position and better-integrated battery.
   Read our Full Review of the Rad Power RadRunner 3 Plus

Final Verdict: A Great Value Fat-Tire E-Bike

If you’re looking for a high-powered, budget-friendly fat-tire e-bike, the Rattan Pinus is a compelling choice. Just be mindful of legal restrictions on throttle speed, and consider adding the second battery if long-range travel is your priority.

Have you tried the Rattan Pinus or another fat tire e-bike? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’re in the market for a powerful, budget-friendly ride, check out the Rattan Pinus today. Don’t forget to subscribe for more in-depth e-bike reviews!